The handle of a sword or dagger (4)
I believe the answer is:
hilt
'the handle of a sword or dagger' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for hilt that I've seen before include "One may back up to this" , "Handle of bladed weapon" , "Sword/dagger handle" , "Handle of a sword or dagger" .)